The Whinery

Help!We’re drowning in a sea of white and grey and bleh.Everywhere one looks the view is the same; there is no depth or details, only a foggy blending of the world above and below that starves the senses and works to make one insane.That would be my definition of February here in central New York.This year, to add to that enjoyable mix is insufferable temperatures, wind and snow, snow, snow.It’s enough to make me want to move to Florida.Almost. Well, no. With sadomasochistic tendencies rivaling Ana Steele, I stay in the place I will forever call home.But, what to do to make things better?There’s no better time than now for a picnic.Plan said picnic and invite friends with a tropical invitation complete with—wait for it—color.Choose rainforest green palm trees, turquoise seas, Caribbean blues, complete with the illusion of warmth.Notate that the dress code is all about shorts, tanks and t-shirts.They can leave the sunscreen at home.The drink list (if inviting responsible friends over the age of 21) should include margaritas, beer, mojitos, and other fruity concoctions with coconut and an umbrella.Or stick to lemonade and sodas.The food list is easy enough to find in the stores since you will be the only one rushing to buy them.Think mac and potato salads, baked beans, garden salads (splurge on the organic because it’ll most likely have a taste to it this time of year), hot dogs and hamburgers.Don’t forget condiments like pickles and relishes, too. Desserts like key lime pie or chocolate peanut butter icebox pie are bound to be refreshing with the heat.Speaking of heat, make your own.Prepare the home about an hour before guests arrive by jacking up the thermostat.Think 75.And arrange a playlist that reminds us all of the lazy dog days of summer.Maybe some Reggae, Beach Boys or Katy Perry will suffice.If you’re really crazy use beach blankets instead of the table. Round out the event by cooking on a grill if you happen to do that sort of thing year round. The smell of BBQ foods will go far to lift everyone’s spirits.Enjoy your friends and their company as this small event will remind everyone that spring is really just around the corner. And if it isn’t, well, at least this party won’t need the bug spray.